HOPLAND, Calif.  Fetzer Valley Oaks Estate Grown Organic Olive Oil is now available on the web at Fetzer.com and at the Marketplace in Fetzer's Homeplace in Northern California. The oil is certified organic by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) and is 100% Extra Virgin, cold pressed and bottled unfiltered.

Chef Harrington, who oversees culinary operations at Valley Oaks, served as oil maker for the new offering, which was hand-harvested in November and December, 2004 from a variety of young Italian olive trees at the McNab Ranch, including La Chino, Pendolino and Frontoio, and older trees at Valley Oaks, including Mission, Manzanillo, Leccino, Escalano and Morina or Mouriolo. The blend of old and new trees and many varieties offers a unique opportunity, explained Chef Bridget, "the combination provides a complexity and layers of flavors that are truly exceptional."

Some six tons of olives were collected and after pressing on a traditional stone mill, 100 gallons were aged for two months before final blending by Chef Harrington, combining the spicy, peppery and grassy oil from McNab with the more mature, buttery flavored oil from Valley Oaks. The oil is bottled in an attractive 375ml cork finished bottle, and sells for $19.50. About 900 bottles are available in this vintage.

To learn more about visiting Fetzer's Valley Oaks Homeplace, and to purchase the 2005 Estate Grown Olive Oil, check the web at www.Fetzer.com.